The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Women in the Labor Force: A Databook shows women comprise approximately 24.5 percent of the estimated 944,000 farmers, ranchers and agricultural managers in the U.S., reports North Dallas Gazette.
At Hillhaven Farms, a fourth generation dairy, women serve in key roles.
“A female herdsman at our milking facility just happened. We had a need, she had the ability, and it’s worked out. Experience is what earned her the position,” said owner Mike Rasmussen.
The female herdsman, Kami Miller, began in 2011 and Rasmussen said her daily note-taking has been an asset in detecting dairy herd health changes.
Recently, Rasmussen and his wife noticed their 10-year-old daughter Gracie had begun to emulate Miller, following her around wearing a milking apron and taking notes on a clipboard as the herdsman checked cows.
“I think it’s a positive thing for Gracie to be mimicking what Kami’s doing,” said Mike Rasmussen. “She’s learning valuable skills and good work habits at an early age.” He is proud his daughter is carrying on the family tradition.